Wyoming Governor Signs Bill Banning Immigration Sanctuary Policies

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon recently signed into law a bill prohibiting immigration sanctuary policies in the state, County 10 reports.

Sponsored by Rep. Joel Guggenmos (R-Riverton), House Bill 133—now House Enrolled Act 76—aims to prevent local and state government officials from restricting communication or cooperation with federal authorities regarding immigration status.

The new law ensures that government employees and officials cannot implement policies that interfere with the reporting of immigration status to federal agencies while performing their official duties. It also grants Wyoming residents the right to file a writ of mandamus—a legal action that can be used to compel officials to comply with the law.

Originally, the bill proposed withholding state funding from government entities that failed to comply, as well as imposing felony charges on officials who refused to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. However, these penalties were removed during the legislative process.

Rep. Guggenmos defended the original penalties, stating that strong consequences were necessary to ensure enforcement.

“Without these teeth, the new law might be difficult to enforce,” he argued.

Guggenmos emphasized that the bill is not about race but rather about upholding legal immigration procedures.

“There is a correct way of doing it, and there is an illegal way,” he stated.

Opponents, including Antonio Serrano, Advocacy Director for the ACLU of Wyoming, expressed concerns that the law could send an unwelcoming message to immigrants—whether documented or undocumented. Serrano argued that the bill might discourage residents in mixed-status families from reporting crimes, eroding trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement.

Serrano also highlighted challenges within the current US immigration system, noting that obtaining legal status can take decades and cost thousands of dollars. He pointed out that many undocumented immigrants originally entered the country legally but were unable to renew their visas due to bureaucratic hurdles.

During legislative debates, some lawmakers questioned the necessity of the bill, as no Wyoming government entities had proposed sanctuary policies. Critics, including Sen. Mike Gierau (D-Jackson), referred to HB 133 as a “fear bill,” suggesting it addresses an issue that does not currently exist in the state.

Sen. Bill Landen (R-Casper) echoed this sentiment, stating that Wyoming has never shown a tendency to adopt sanctuary policies. However, supporters like Sen. Darin Smith (R-Cheyenne) argued that the bill reinforces law enforcement’s role in ensuring compliance with federal immigration laws.

Guggenmos defended the measure as a preemptive step to prevent future sanctuary policies from emerging in Wyoming, stating:

“I would hope this never happens, but I’ve seen things in our nation that I never thought I would see.”